AUBURN | The Tigers just finished perhaps their biggest recruiting weekend of the entire season, playing host to a majority of their committed players and four more whom they hope will sign with Auburn in February.

Recruiting can be an imposing endeavor to follow for folks who have only a passing interest in the next wave of talent. So many names. Who is a commit? How do the commits fit into the Tigers' overall plan? Who else do the Tigers really want? What are these kids really like?

Welcome to The Recruiting Outsider, where we review what has occurred and what could occur between now and National Signing Day. We speak in general terms here, focus more on the big picture and present information in ways even the most novice recruitnik can understand.

Away we go.

Let's start here:

Auburn has 16 players currently committed to its Class of 2014. It's a strong class so far -- with a pair of five-star (elite) recruits and seven four-star (very talented) recruits. The group absolutely has a defensive focus; 11 are expected to play on that side of the ball. And, as you'll read, the final wave of commits will supplement that trend.

Auburn would like to land at least three more players.

Auburn's top remaining target is S/LB Rashaan Evans from Auburn High. Rivals upgraded him to a five-star prospect during the weekend, which demonstrates how well he played as a senior and during the various all-star games this winter. Evans, the son of former Auburn tailback Alan Evans, has his list down to Auburn, Alabama and UCLA. He's an aggressive hitter, a smart kid who doesn't seem overwhelmed by the moment. Oh, and he has a million-dollar smile that could make him a very popular player among Auburn fans.